The Lagos State Taskforce has apprehended three individuals allegedly impersonating officers of the Nigerian Navy in an attempt to defraud residents, intimidate officials, and obstruct government operations.

The arrests were confirmed by the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, following enforcement activities at Oworonshoki.

According to Akerele, the suspects were caught after attempting to use fake military identities to intimidate residents and evade arrest during a demolition exercise.

Investigations revealed that the principal suspect, identified as James K. Robert, had previously visited the Taskforce headquarters claiming to be a senior naval officer. During that visit, he demanded the release of vehicles seized from a demolition site, claiming ownership of a car lot at the affected location.

When the Taskforce declined his request in accordance with regulations, the suspect allegedly became hostile, threatening confrontation between his purported naval personnel and Taskforce operatives.

Akerele explained that suspicions arose when the suspect failed to provide verifiable details about his military posting, service history, or command structure. Further scrutiny revealed irregularities in his uniform, including misarranged service ribbons and missing insignia inconsistent with a senior naval officer’s attire.

The Taskforce contacted the Naval Police for verification, who confirmed that James K. Robert was not a serving officer and held no recognized position in the Nigerian Navy. This led to his immediate arrest, along with two accomplices.

The Taskforce also noted that the suspects had been under surveillance due to prior confrontations with officials and complaints from the public about impersonation and intimidation. During interrogation, the suspect’s wife admitted she had previously warned him against impersonating military personnel.

CSP Akerele confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.

“Before they fully understood what was happening, officers of the Nigerian Navy Military Police were already on site and took them into custody,” he said.